Durga Ashtami Vrat June, 2023
Durga ashtami vrat is an important Hindu ritual dedicated to Goddess Shakti (Goddess Durga). Masik Durga Ashtami is a monthly event observed on the ashtami tithi (8th day) of the shukla paksha (bright lunar fortnight) of every month on the Hindu calendar.
Of all Durga ashtami days, the shukla paksha ashtami of Ashwin month is the most popular and is called Maha Ashtami or simply Durgashtami. Durga Ashtami falls during the last 5 days of the 9 day long Navratri festival. Durgashtami during Durga puja 2023 is on October 22, Sunday.
Next Durga Ashtami Vrat is on June 26, Monday
Next masik Durga ashtami during the Hindu calendar month of Ashadha falls on Monday, June 26.
During Masik Durga ashtami vrat, Durga Devi in the form of Mahagauri is worshipped
Durga Ashtami Vrat June, 2023 - Tithi Timings
Ashtami Tithi Timing | June 26, 12:25 AM - June 27, 02:05 AM |
Place : Ujjain [ India ] See More |
On this day the weapons of Goddess Durga are worshiped and the celebration is known as ‘Astra Puja’. This day is also popularly referred as ‘Virashtami’ owing to the display of arms and other forms of martial arts. Hindu devotees offer prayers to Goddess Durga and keep a strict fast to seek Her divine blessings.
Durga Ashtami Vrat is observed with complete devotion in the northern and western regions of India. In some regions of Andhra Pradesh, Durga Ashtami is celebrated as ‘Bathukamma Panduga’. Durga Ashtami Vrat is a significant observance for followers of Hinduism.
Durga Ashtami vrat is celebrated to honour Goddess Shakti
Rituals during Durga Ashtami Vrat:
On the day of Durga Ashtami, devotees pray to Goddess Durga. They get up early in the morning and make several offerings to Goddess in the form of flowers, chandan and dhoop. In some places, Kumari Puja is also performed on the day of Durga Ashtami Vrat. Hindus worship girls aged between 6-12 years as the Kanya (virgin) form of Goddess Durga. Special ‘Naivedyam’ is prepared for offering to the Goddess.
Fasting is an important ritual of the day. the observer of Durga Ashtami Vrat abstains from eating or drinking all through the day. the fast is observed by men and women alike. the Durga Ashtami Vrat is observed to acquire spiritual gains and seek the blessings of Goddess Durga. Some devotees keep the fast by drinking only milk or eating fruits. Consuming non-vegetarian food and alcohol is strictly prohibited on this day. the observer of the Durga Ashtami Vrat must sleep on the floor and keep away from the comforts and luxuries.
Durgashtami of Ashwina shukla paksha is the most popular and is known as Maha ashtami
In some regions of western India there is also a custom of sowing barley seeds. After the seeds reach a height of 3-5 inches they are offered to the Goddess and later distributed among all family members.
Devotees chant various Devi mantras on this day. It is also considered rewarding to read Durga Chalisa on this day. At the end of puja, devotees also read the Durga Ashtami Vrat katha.
Hindu devotees provide food and santarpana or dakshina to Brahmins after completing the puja rituals.
The observer of Durga Ashtami Vrat visit Shakti temples in the evening. Special pujas are conducted on the day of Mahashtami that is witnessed by thousands of devotees.
Significance of Durga Ashtami Vrat:
In Sanskrit language the word ‘durga’ means ‘undefeatable’ and ‘ashtami’ signifies ‘eight day’. According to the Hindu legends the fierce and powerful form of Goddess Durga, known as ‘Goddess Bhadrakali’ was incarnated. The day of Durga Ashtami is celebrated as the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon named ‘Mahishasura’. It is believed that one who observes the Durga Ashtami Vrat with full dedication will be bestowed with happiness and good fortune in their lives.
All Durga Ashtami Vrat dates in 2023 and Ashtami Tithi Timing
January 29th Sunday |
Ashtami Tithi Timing : Jan 28, 8:43 AM - Jan 29, 9:05 AM |
February 27th Monday |
Ashtami Tithi Timing : Feb 27, 12:59 AM - Feb 28, 2:21 AM |
March 29th Wednesday |
Ashtami Tithi Timing : Mar 28, 7:03 PM - Mar 29, 9:07 PM |
April 28th Friday |
Ashtami Tithi Timing : Apr 27, 1:39 PM - Apr 28, 4:01 PM |
May 28th Sunday |
Ashtami Tithi Timing : May 27, 7:43 AM - May 28, 9:57 AM |
June 26th Monday |
Ashtami Tithi Timing : Jun 26, 12:25 AM - Jun 27, 2:05 AM |
July 26th Wednesday |
Ashtami Tithi Timing : Jul 25, 3:09 PM - Jul 26, 3:52 PM |
August 24th Thursday |
Ashtami Tithi Timing : Aug 24, 3:31 AM - Aug 25, 3:11 AM |
September 23rd Saturday |
Ashtami Tithi Timing : Sep 22, 1:35 PM - Sep 23, 12:18 PM |
October 22nd Sunday |
Ashtami Tithi Timing : Oct 21, 9:53 PM - Oct 22, 7:59 PM |
November 20th Monday |
Ashtami Tithi Timing : Nov 20, 5:22 AM - Nov 21, 3:16 AM |
December 20th Wednesday |
Ashtami Tithi Timing : Dec 19, 1:07 PM - Dec 20, 11:14 AM |